The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid is a part of the second-generation for this automobile, and it marks the primary time this three-row SUV will get an electrified powertrain. We’ve seen hybrids from Hyundai Motor America because the 2011 mannequin 12 months, and actually, the Tucson, Elantra, Santa Fe and Sonata have all had hybrid choices. So, the large query is: Was it definitely worth the wait?
2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
Briefly: Sure.
Let’s dig into this new powertrain and why it’s so good.
2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid system
Hyundai is looking the hybrid powertrain within the new Palisade a next-generation system. It’s powered by a 2.5-liter, inline-4 turbocharged engine and paired with two electrical motors. It has a major drive motor that’s built-in into the transmission for propulsion after which a secondary motor that begins the engine and regenerates the battery. Beforehand, Hyundai has solely utilized a one-motor system.
The tip result’s higher effectivity in addition to extra energy.
Mixed output for the hybrid powertrain is 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. This can be a lot extra energy than we see from the three.5-liter V-6 within the gas-only mannequin that delivers 287 horsepower.
Along with extra energy, mixed gasoline financial system is estimated to be greater than 30 mpg. Although our transient day-long drive is hardly a real instance of precise gasoline financial system, I can say we have been averaging 31.6 mpg. So, our preliminary check, at the least, exhibits this must be pretty correct.
However is it actually that clean?
One of many first issues I seen after I obtained behind the wheel was the graceful supply of energy–each as we got here out of a cease mild and once we have been merging on the freeway. This isn’t going to be throw-you-back-in-the-seat quick. It received’t make 12 months abdomen do flip flops. However it’s good clean energy that will get the job finished with out lag.
I additionally didn’t discover a clunky transition between hybrid and fuel operation.
I’ve at all times thought the Hyundai hybrids have been advantageous, however this powertrain undoubtedly helps Hyundai degree up, and I’d put this next-gen system on par with Honda and Toyota hybrids.
Costlier, however get a reimbursement in 2 years?
As you’ll anticipate, the pricing for the hybrid is extra. The bottom value of the common Palisade is $39,435, excluding vacation spot, and also you’ll have to pay at the least $44,160 to get right into a hybrid. Nevertheless, it’s value noting the bottom trim for the internal-combustion engine (ICE) automobile is the SE, and the bottom trim for the Hybrid is the SEL.
As execs identified in the course of the Palisade Hybrid preview, the worth premium is definitely a lot much less once you evaluate comparably outfitted fashions. Melvyn Bautista, the product planning supervisor for the Palisade Hybrid, particularly said there’s a $2,220 value distinction once you evaluate apples to apples by way of trim and gear from ICE to Hybrid. Nevertheless, once you take a look at the sticker sheet, gasoline prices for the hybrid are about $2,000 much less. Meaning, in principle, it is best to make your a reimbursement in about two years.
Pricing and Trim Ranges
Pricing for hybrid trim ranges, with out the $1,600 vacation spot charges, is:
- SEL: $44,160
- SEL Premium: $47,520
- Restricted: $51,990
- Calligraphy: $56,780
These are front-wheel-drive fashions. All-wheel drive will add $2,000.
ICE vs Hybrid variations
When it comes to appears, there actually aren’t many seen variations. You’ll see a discreet hybrid badge on the again of the HEV fashions, however that’s it by way of design variations.
However exterior of the powertrain, there are two large belongings you’ll see on the hybrid that aren’t on the fuel variations. The primary is “Keep Mode,” which is able to can help you keep in park in EV mode for 30 to 40 minutes so long as your battery is charged as much as 80%. Together with that, you’ll see out there loosen up and recline seats within the first and second rows. We’ve seen these in Hyundai EVs, however that is the primary time we’re seeing it in hybrid mannequin.
Design
Although the design, particularly the headlight remedy, could be thought-about polarizing, we like the general styling of the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid–that features each the inside and exterior. We admire the minimalist sprint and heart stack, however we totally admire the buttons and dials for often touched objects–just like the HVAC and audio controls.
We additionally admire the tech you will get on the Palisade. From the usual wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the out there blind view monitor that exhibits your blind spots within the behind-the-wheel gauges, there’s numerous intuitive and straightforward to make use of high-tech options.
Since we have been within the Calligraphy trim, we solely had entry to the very best of the very best, however the inside supplies and accents on that mannequin felt and appeared very excessive finish. The suede headliner was significantly bougie, and I couldn’t assist pondering I’d need that materials as one thing I’d placed on my clothes.
Lastly, the Third-row on the highest trims is rather well finished. With heated energy slide and recline seats, you’ll be able to actually modify the consolation degree for these passengers. However exterior of that, we favored the general consolation of the seats, and the massive rear home windows hold passengers from feeling claustrophobic.
Wants some work
There have been just a few issues we didn’t like. First up, when you’re going to maintain your telephone within the wi-fi charger for greater than a half hour, it might overheat. We tried it with our case on and off, and it had the identical end result: a message stating that charging had stopped attributable to our telephone overheating. Subsequent, we expect the bottle holders on the door a bit awkward. They’re too slim to carry a 17-ounch Yeti-brand container, so when you’ve got espresso and water bottles for each front-seat passengers, you’ll be overloaded with drinks.
Lastly, and this solely applies to petite drivers, with the loosen up and recline seats, there’s a bit of further materials on the entrance of the driving force’s seat. Because of this it pushes your knees a bit of nearer to the underbelly of the sprint. I discovered myself hitting my knees when coming into the automobile and when shifting between fuel and brake pedals.
Our take
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid is a wonderful electrified mannequin. It has the correct amount of energy and loads of effectivity. Getting 30+ mpg in a 3-row automobile is nothing to sneeze at. Contemplating the facilities you get for the worth tag (all-in at lower than $60,000 with heated third-row seats!), we contemplate this a no brainer. It drives properly and has many of the options you may probably need on a household automobile.
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is on sale now.
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2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Calligraphy Footage
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2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy: Overview, Costs, and Specs